In this June 23, 2010 photo, Frank Wallace, who has been unemployed since May of 2009, is seen during a rally organized by the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, in Philadelphia. Initial claims for jobless... (Matt Rourke)

(Newser)
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More than 1.3 million laid-off workers won't get their unemployment benefits reinstated before Congress goes on a weeklong vacation for Independence Day. For the third time in as many weeks, Senate Republicans last night successfully filibustered a bill to continue providing unemployment checks to people who have been laid off for long stretches. An additional 200,000 people who have been without a job for at least six months stand to lose their benefits each week, unless Congress acts.

The House is slated to vote on a similar measure today, though the Senate's action renders the vote a futile gesture as Congress prepares to depart Washington for its holiday recess. The measure, however, stands a better chance of passing after a replacement is seated for Sen. Robert C. Byrd. Many Democrats see state aid and unemployment benefits as insurance against the economy sliding back into recession. However, many Republicans and some Democrats worry about adding to the growing national debt.

What on earth happens to people in your country who are made redundant from their jobs and are unable to get a new one within 6 months? Do they have to beg in the streets, or what? You seem to treat people as if they are garbage to be thrown away if they don't meet their sell by date.

bacimom

Jul 2, 2010 10:16 AM CDT

I have the perfect way to cut spending: let the elected officials only get paid for the days they actually work, no holidays, no sick time, no vacations. Let them get paid minimum wage only based on their average working hours for salary plus legitimate staff and office expenses paid directly to the providers; see how they like it. While we're at it let them take 1 unpaid work day monthly like so many minor state government employees are doing around the country. After all, they're only there to "serve" aren't they... it should be volunteer work.